A TEACHING union has called on the Assembly Government to refocus education spending and combat the effects of poverty on children.

ATL Cymru has issued a damning position statement on the link between poverty and performance in education.

Members say the situation is desperate and are calling for urgent action to target resources where they are needed most.

The union welcomed moves by the Assembly Government to eradicate child poverty by 2020, but is concerned that levels in Wales continue to rise.

Dr Philip Dixon, director of ATL Cymru, said Welsh schools are being shortchanged and must be protected from budget cuts.

“We are pleased that the current Education Minister has pledged to close the funding gap between England and Wales, but any extra money must be targeted at those in greatest need,” he said.

“We need to refocus education spending on areas and individuals where deprivation is having a devastating effect. However, an increase in spending on education is a necessary but not sufficient way of tackling the effects of poverty on children’s education.

“The curriculum offered can sometimes have an adverse effect on children from deprived backgrounds who feel that it is irrelevant, unchallenging or disengaging.”

According to figures compiled this year by Save the Children, one in four children in Wales live in poverty.

The average budgeted spend per pupil in Wales in 2009-10 was £5,429, more than £500 per pupil lower than in England.

Dr Alec Clarke, union vice-president and an expert in special needs, added: “How can we accept allowing the future of Welsh youth to be jeopardised by lack of parity with England? It is obvious in times of increasing financial austerity that efficiency of delivery and targeting funding appropriately will be of ever increasing importance.”

Youngsters from low-income households leave school earlier and are said to be six times more likely to leave without qualifications than those from higher-income households.

The low attainment of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds has long been linked to factors relating to poverty and deprivation rather than ability.

ATL Cymru is calling on the Assembly Government to narrow the gap in pupil spend between Wales and England, involve the profession in decision-making and utilise funds more appropriately.

An Assembly Government spokeswoman said: “Breaking the link between poverty and attainment levels is one of the three priorities of our School Effectiveness Framework.

“Tackling child poverty and improving the life chances of children and young people from low-income families is extremely important.

“School funding in Wales has increased by 71% since 1999-2000.

“We have made it clear that we want to ensure more funding reaches the education frontline – schools, colleges and universities.”